CLEVELAND — Conservative Republicans who don't like Donald Trump now have a soul mate in his running mate, while Democrats have a new target.

Trump's selection of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence meets many of the goals he set for a potential vice president: Pence is a practicing politician who could help him deal with Congress and also a conservative who could help some "Never Trump" Republicans feel better about the fall campaign against Hillary Clinton.

"Mike has done a great job as governor of Indiana," Trump told Fox News before making the selection public via Twitter early Friday. "You know, he's done really a fantastic job."

The Club for Growth, which has criticized Trump over his opposition to free trade and reluctance to endorse entitlement cuts, said it hopes Pence "will be effective in pulling the Republican ticket toward economic conservatism and limited government," said a statement from Club for Growth President David McIntosh.

A former member of the U.S. House, Pence's conservative record makes him a target for Democrats seeking to appeal to moderate voters. Clinton supporters plan to cast Pence as a Trump-like twin who promotes policies that hurt minorities and help the wealthy.

"Trump doubles down with most extreme VP pick in a generation," the Clinton campaign said in its reaction to the Pence news.

Trump, who will be the first major party presidential nominee in more than 75 years without any experience as a lawmaker or a military general, had indicated he wanted a more "establishment" Republican for a running mate, one who could balance his status as an outsider.

The maverick businessman considered others who could have better fulfilled the traditional running mate role of attack dog, a group that included former House speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Other potential establishment candidates, like former primary opponents Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Scott Walker, made it clear they had no interest in running with Trump, one of the clearest signs of friction between the presumptive nominee and some party members.

In Pence, Trump went with a candidate who, while he will no doubt be aggressive on the stump, is known more as a policy maker who is well liked by conservative lawmakers and activists — many of whom applauded his selection.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who has endorsed Trump but criticized some of his views, said that "we need someone who is steady and secure in his principles, someone who can cut through the noise and make a compelling case for conservatism. Mike Pence is that man."

Pence is also a low-key, non-flashy politician — in sharp contrast to the standard bearer himself.

Some Republican Trump skeptics question just how helpful Pence be will. GOP strategist Stuart Stevens tweeted that "a sane person riding shotgun with crazy driver is of limited help. If conservatives are excited about Gov Pence, act on it. Give him wheel."

Liz Mair, a Republican strategist and active member of the "Never Trump" movement, said in an email the Pence pick "will make about 1 percent of the delegates who opposed Trump before feel more neutral to him. As with most VP choices, beyond that, I highly doubt it matters one bit."

The governor who gave up his re-election bid to run with Trump can help the ticket carry Indiana, a must-win state for any Republican candidate. In the run-up to Pence's selection, Trump aides said he could also help them bring out the conservative vote in other must-win states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Members of both parties have pointed out that Pence is at odds with Trump on several issues, notably the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal. Pence backs it, while Trump says existing free trade deals have led to job cuts in the U.S.

The new running mate has also criticized Trump over his proposed ban on Muslim entry into the United States and his attacks on a judge's "Mexican heritage."

Looks for those differences to be ignored on minimized on the Republican campaign trail.

"There is nobody that agrees with me fully on anything," Trump said before the selection. "There's always going to be somebody where they disagree on a border or they disagree on a Muslim ban or they disagree on something."

Emma Perez, 9, left, and Summer Munoz, 7, hand Pence a case of bottled water as he helps load a container bound for Puerto Rico during his visit with volunteers working on the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Maria at the Iglesia de Dios church in Kissimmee, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2017. Joe Burbank, AP

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley whispers to Pence during a Security Council meeting on United Nations peacekeeping operations on Sept. 20, 2017, at U.N. headquarters. Mary Altaffer, AP

Betty Clark, left, talks with Pence in Rockport, Texas, on Aug. 31, 2017, as he visited the area to reaffirm the federal government's promise of help for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Rachel Denny Clow, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Pence accompanies Trump as the president sits in the cabin of a firetruck during a "Made in America" product showcase featuring items created in each of the 50 states on July 17, 2017, on the South Lawn of the White House. Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

Pence and South Korean President Moon Jae-in stand during the playing of the countries' national anthems during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington on June 30, 2017. Saul Loeb, AFP/Getty Images

Vice President Pence high-fives a boy as he speaks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on May 9, 2017, during an event recognizing National Military Appreciation Month and National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Carolyn Kaster, AP

Pence speaks to an audience after a private listening session with small-businesses owners and local government officials at an envelope supply company in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 18, 2017. Bruce Lipsky, AP

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and Pence view some of the damage done at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., on Feb. 22, 2017. Over 150 headstones had been overturned by vandals. J.B. Forbes, AP

Trump and Pence stop to admire a Harley Davidson motorcycle parked on the South Lawn of the White House on Feb. 2, 2017, as they welcomed Harley Davidson executives and union representatives. Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

Pence steps off an Air Force plane similar to the one he will use after being sworn in, as he, his wife, Karen Pence, center, holding cat "Oreo," and daughter Charlotte Pence holding "Pickle," arrive at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Jan. 9, 2017. Alex Brandon, AP

Pence, Speaker Paul Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy speaks to the media in the lobby of the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, on Sept. 13, 2016. Jim Lo Scalzo, European Pressphoto Agency